Thrust: Bad Boy Racing Romance (Fastlane Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

Dani?” Leopold asked.
    It still felt like a hard sell to me. Even so, I would’ve been a fool to turn it down on the spot.
    “I think I’ve made my goals very clear, Leopold. None of that has ever changed.”
    Bernard nodded and smiled. “Excellent. Well, we’re looking forward to bringing Mr. Rhys on as a client and of course welcoming you as a partner in the firm.”
    “As soon as you have a definitive answer from him, please let us know,” Leopold added. “For now though, I’m sure that you would like to get a bit of rest ahead of tonight’s event.”
    Normally I prided myself on the ability to think clearly and decisively in stressful situations. But between their offer and Marco’s impact, my head felt thick, like it was filled with cement. I needed a few hours away from all of it if there was any chance I’d be ready to handle a man like Marco. In the meantime, there was no sense in turning down the offer. There was every possibility I could talk him into signing the agreement without having to compromise myself.
    At least, that was my hope.

    DANI
    Throughout the rest of the day, I grew more convinced my exhaustion and the stress of Bernard and Leopold’s offer were the main culprits in my less-than-ideal meeting with Marco. There was no other explanation for how he’d gotten under my skin with such ease and quickness. That is, aside from the fact he was incredibly good looking, had a dangerous career and wealth beyond imagination.
    Aside from all of that , it made no sense.
    I’d been around my share of the young and privileged. None of them made their own way in the world. Yes, Marco inherited a staggering fortune, but I had the sense he’d be successful without a single penny of help.
    Anyway, with some luck, I managed to find something to wear, and even luckier, it didn’t have to be altered. It was a black, silk halter gown with cascading ruffles, V-neck and an open back. Including the black leather heels and a suede clutch, I was in for more than five thousand dollars. It was way out of my price range, but I figured if I got Marco to sign the deal, it would be worth the investment.
    I finished putting on my makeup and took a final look, reminding myself one last time of everything I had at stake. Before leaving my hotel room, I took the signature page from Marco’s client agreement, folded it and slipped it into my clutch. One way or another, I’d get the deal inked, tonight.
    A couple of hours earlier, I’d received a text from Marco letting me know he’d send a limousine to pick me up. Walking out of the hotel a few minutes later, I noticed it nearby, and before long we drove out of the parking lot. After a short ride through the streets of Monte Carlo, the limousine pulled up in front of a glittering, glowing entrance to a stunning casino hotel. When you make a habit of rubbing elbows with the super wealthy for a living, you grow accustomed to being around beautiful people and the trappings of wealth. Even so, when I exited the limousine, the opulence of it all took me back a bit.
    Once I’d entered, I made my way to the grand ballroom and stopped for a moment. With my arms straight, I held my clutch low, in front of my body. Scanning the room for a familiar face, I noticed Marco about thirty feet away, laughing and talking with a small group of people. Not long after, during a break in the conversation, he happened to glance in my direction.
    I smiled at him.
    He looked at me and raised his arm slightly, gesturing towards me with his index finger. The eyes of everyone in the group followed his gesture. I hadn’t expected the sudden attention. Looking away, and still holding my clutch in one hand, I reached up and pulled a strand of hair away from the side of my face. By the time I looked back in the direction of the group, Marco was headed in my direction.
    The lean musculature of his body rippled beneath the fine fabric of his custom fit tuxedo. He moved across the room with the grace